Bringing the zoo to the museum

Said zoo, would be my three amazing children. I affectionately refer to each of them as “Monkey.” The phrase fits them perfectly… adorable, smart, and WILD… A dangerous combination!

So when we had to go to the Center of the West because my daughter was performing at the Holiday Open House, I had planned for us to come in for her performance and leave as soon as possible. After all, I had been to the museum before (on a fifth grade field trip) and I had many other things to do that day. Not to mention, unlike my first visit, I was bringing three wild little monkeys with me… at the time, my daughter was 9 years old and my twin boys were 5 (with a severe case of ADHD and TES—look it up, those with twins will understand). I had no interest in walking my boys through the museum and desperately trying to keep their hands in their pockets and their voices down.

I remembered it as a quiet place filled with antique guns and the house that Buffalo Bill lived in.

Well… when we walked in the door, I was shocked. I didn’t recognize the place at all. Along with the three additional museums, this place was filled with families and children of all ages. There was excitement in the air. I wasn’t surprised when my boys began begging… “Mom can we please stay, please, please, please. I promise we will be good!” So, I gave in… We wandered the five museums, each of us having our own favorite experience. The kids had a great time in the Draper Natural History Museum. They were able to touch antlers, smell fires, admire dinosaurs, and stand over the top of rattlesnakes.

Being an art major and designer, I gravitated toward the Whitney Western Art Museum. The walls are draped in amazing works of art. Masterpieces, like the rattlesnake painting, which you would swear was a photograph.

And three years later… I’m still waiting for my husband to finish up in the Cody Firearms Museum. 😉 It’s like watching a little kid in a candy shop! Who knew there were so many guns!

If you’re in town… don’t miss it! If you’re out of town… make a special trip to see it!